Kujou Sara vividly remembers the exact moment Kaedehara Kazuha first became a blight on her honor.

To think that the descendant of a disgraced family that had long since drifted into obscurity, one who became a masterless ronin at that, could so swiftly disarm her and snatch the Vision of his fallen companion, right in front of the Raiden Shogun. At the time of that incident, Sara saw nothing but an amethyst fog clouding her vision, instilling a vengeful hatred towards the one who brazenly obstructed her from conducting her sworn duty under the Vision Hunt Decree. Surely any individual who steps out of line like that is bound to do nothing but hinder Inazuma's progress towards the Shogun's eternity.

Therefore, he had to be executed. There was no room for leniency.

She gave chase that night, pursuing him through the streets, determined to apprehend him herself. When he managed to slip away from her under the cover of night, Sara had immediately issued a warrant for his arrest. Soon after, wanted posters depicting an artist's rendition of Kazuha's visage were plastered all over the island. Borders between Narukami Island and the rest of the archipelago nation had been shut down, effectively trapping Kazuha within the main island. The only way he can hope to escape is by getting through troops of Tenryou Commission soldiers awaiting him on every path.

And that's exactly what he did.

Prior to this, he had already been struggling to stay under the radar of the Tenryou Commission, who so fervently sought out all vision holders. Now that he had been deemed a criminal and entered into the Tenryou Commission's wanted list, there was nothing left for him to do but fight for his survival.

So he soon stormed a small Tenryou camp settled at the shores of Narukami Island. After successfully disarming the soldiers, he stole a small boat and fled to Kannazuka. Once there, he wandered the island, hoping to find refuge from a soul kind enough to provide lodging for even a single night. Instead, all he found were more soldiers stationed across the island, each one seeking to detain him for his crimes.

Kazuha faced nothing but endless battle as he roamed across the islands. Though everything seemed to actively work against him, he would not give up. He placed his faith in the winds blowing behind his back, letting the blessing of the Anemo Archon steer his heart down a path he had yet to see. The wind led him through the open waters of Nazuchi Beach, guiding his sword against countless foes within the unstable Tatarasuna, pushing him further and further beyond until he neared the end of his limits.

Then, he found it. Sanctuary in Watatsumi Island.

Sangonomiya Kokomi, ever so merciful and empathetic to the ronin's circumstances, eagerly granted him asylum under the protection of the rebellion. In return, he would offer his services as a warrior and provide support for the inexperienced forces rallying underneath Watatsumi's flag.

At least, this is what Sara predicted must have occurred after reading all the reports regarding Kazuha. And she was absolutely correct. Now that she had a confident idea of his whereabouts, she could have employed many different strategies to apprehend him without inciting any unnecessary skirmishes against the Watatsumi rebels.

However, she chose not to make a move. Sara was not one to make any hasty decisions; she was not as cavalier as Heizou was, who by contrast had broken several border restrictions between the islands without a care in the world.

She already knew that the man accustomed to a life of wandering would not sit still in a land that sought to hunt him down. If Kazuha had any desire to escape the country whatsoever, then he had to return to Narukami Island.


"I see," said Kamisato Ayato, who had been paying close attention to Sara's explanation. "If I'm correct in following your logic, then you've deduced that Kaedehara Kazuha will arrive in Ritou?"

She nodded. "The Sakoku Decree has confined all immigration in and emigration out of the nation to Ritou Island, after all. Furthermore, though the rebels on Watatsumi Island currently have little concern with our laws, they can't possibly hope to provide him with a vessel sturdy enough to withstand the Storm Barrier at sea, what with their limited resources."

"Thus, Ritou is the only place he can expect to find a ship with the capability to breach the Storm Barrier. On that note," he turned to the dutiful vassal standing at his side, "Thoma, are there any such ships that are expected to arrive soon?"

Thoma contemplated for only a brief moment before he said, "Off the top of my head, I remember that we're expecting imports from Liyue brought aboard by the Crux Fleet to arrive rather soon."

"Ah yes, what perfect timing. Their flagship, the Alcor, would surely suit Kazuha's needs. Seems that you're two steps ahead on this, Kujou Sara. Well done."

Sara stayed silent with her teeth gritted tightly. Since his escape from Inazuma City, she had aggressively commanded the Tenryou Commission to hunt him down, only to lose to him in one manner or another. This time, she only managed to predict his next actions once she placed herself in his position, and considering that the two of them had barely interacted once before, it stirred up an unpleasant thought.

Did she simply come to better understand Kazuha, or was there something to him that she resonated with?

"I suppose that you'll assemble the Tenryou Commission on Ritou Island soon. Then, on to it. Why have you come to me?" Ayato asked with narrowed eyes. "You know that the Yashiro Commission, and by extension the Kamisato Clan, lacks the jurisdiction to interfere with this situation.

"Exactly," Sara crossed her arms while she spoke, "and I hereby formally request that the Yashiro Commission maintains that stance."

Ayato knowingly smirked. "You say that as if you have reason to believe that we have reason to interfere in the first place."

The insinuation is not lost on both of them. Sara had been aware that the Kaedehara Clan had once been subordinate to the Kamisato Clan. Ayato, therefore, had an incentive to protect Kazuha on honor alone.

"Do I have your word or not?" she repeated, her voice both firm and persistent.

Leaving little room for silence to strengthen the tension, Ayato quickly answered, "You have my word as both head of the Kamisato Clan and of the Yashiro Commission. None of our soldiers or our officials will be seen anywhere near Ritou during your arrest operation."

"Good. Then, I shall be taking my leave."

Yet, even with his vow, Sara knew not to take him lightly.

Ayato's exact words were that neither soldiers nor officials from the Commission would be seen in Ritou's vicinity. That must imply that everywhere else is fair game. Not that it's an issue, since she only needed to wait for Kazuha to be in Ritou to detain him.

… Would he pull on the strings of the Kanjou Commission in Ritou itself? Influence some high-ranking Hiiragi officials to direct attention away from Kazuha? For someone of Kamisato Ayato's caliber, it might be feasible. Whatever the case, she concluded that she can't rely on the Kanjou Commission soldiers to assist her.

This time, she needed to rely on her own strength to achieve results. In the days leading up to their fated reencounter, Sara committed to approaching the situation from every angle possible.

Then, inspiration struck as the radiance of the Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi resurfaced in her mind. There's one way she can circumvent everything in her path.

If the Almighty Shogun is the sound of thunder that fills the heavens, Kujou Sara is the lightning strike against which her enemies are powerless to defend themselves—and wherever lightning first strikes, terrifying thunder is sure to follow.


"The Storm Barrier is ahead!" shouted Beidou.

She dashed straight towards the helm of the ship, preparing herself to navigate through the storm head-on. All the other crew members hustled to clear the ship's surface of any important objects that couldn't handle the upcoming wind and lightning, with many members retreating to the lower deck. They all knew full well that this wasn't a voyage to take lightly.

"Yo, Kazuha!" Beidou called out to the ronin, who seemed to be absentmindedly staring up towards the sky. "I won't stop you if you feel like staying out here, but you'll regret just standing there when the lightning hits!"

Kazuha peered up, squinting through the spiraling clouds. "The storm will not strike just yet," he muttered under his breath, "but I see a—"

His eyes widened right when he saw a distant light gathering far above the Alcor's mast. Without hesitation, he drew his blade and shouted, "Everyone! Flee from the main deck!"

Before anyone could register his words, a lightning bolt struck the Alcor, shaking the vessel with a tremendous impact and releasing a potent gust of air.

All the crew members were swept off their feet, save for the indomitable captain manning the vessel and the lone samurai who stood right beneath that jagged streak of purple electricity. When the electricity dispersed, the crew were astounded to see that it wasn't lightning that struck them, but Kujou Sara herself. Wreathed in voltaic sparks of amethyst, she descended upon Kazuha, sword drawn and aimed for his head. He just barely managed to block the incoming attack, absorbing the kinetic energy from her impact and dispersing it through the wind.

"Impressive." Sara pushed her blade against his, bouncing backward a small distance away. "I should have expected at least this much skill from someone like you."

Kazuha's teeth clenched tightly, his contempt for the warrior standing before him displayed for all to see. "Kujou Sara…!"

"Damn it," Beidou stepped away from the wheel and readied her hefty blade, set on joining their fight. "Don't know who you are lady, but you better back away from my friend before I make you!"

"Don't!" shouted Kazuha, who just barely deflected another mighty attack from the fearsome warrior, "If you attack, she'll have the whole Crux Fleet listed as criminals!"

"Kaedehara Kazuha!" She lifted her sword, pointing it toward him. "Not only have you violated both the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree, but you have also impeded the Almighty Shogun from enacting her divine will. On behalf of the entire Tri-Commission, I've come to arrest you and to seize your Vision!"

Sara lunged forward, her speed so blinding that Kazuha could only react right as her sword swung down at him. He evaded the strike at the last moment, countering with an attack of his own, but her reflexes rendered the attack useless. She successfully closed the gap between the two, tackling him and pinning him down on the ground. Sara held her katana right to his neck, threatening to slice him if he resisted.

"Stay down and hand it over," she demanded.

Instead, all she got from him was a disdainful laugh.

"So this was your plan," he smirked, "attacking me at sea once we sailed away from Ritou. I'm left with no means of escape, save for abandoning ship altogether. You also knew that the rest of Beidou's fleet wouldn't be able to interfere, lest they risk ruining Liyue's trade route with Inazuma."

"Then you are aware that you cannot win here." She pressed the blade against his skin, threatening to cut him. "Surrender now and I can ensure your safety."

"Safety?" He sneered at her. "You seek to provide me with safety while I waste away in a cell awaiting my execution at Tenshukaku? Do you take me for a fool?"

"Of course I do. Only a fool such as yourself would act to threaten our path to eternity."

Kazuha gnashed his teeth. "You call my attempt to preserve what remains of my dearest friend foolish?"

"I'd call anyone who tries to stand in the Shogun's path a fool, you and your friend both!"

She should not have said that.

Fueled by anger, Kazuha channels energy through his Vision, gathering wind beneath the two of them. He unleashed another gale, one so powerful that it propelled them both into the air. Sara, though caught off guard, quickly recovered by unveiling her wings and catching herself mid-flight. Kazuha would not let the opportunity go that easily. He took another step in the air and charged ahead, his blade aimed to cut her in two. Sara was quick enough to block the blow, but couldn't push back against him, and crashed against the mast of the Alcor.

With the wind still swirling under his feet, Kazuha drifted down to the deck. "Judge our actions however you must, but know that your hypocrisy will bring you no favors."

"Hypocrisy?!" she snarled as she struggled to regain her footing, "Who are you to accuse me?!"

"I am but one of the many innocent Inazumans who have been deemed unlawful for our ambitions." Kazuha clutched his friend's faded Vision in his hand as he spoke. "You, who so passionately declares your loyalty to the Shogun, know everything of what our Visions represent to us. Yet you unjustly take our desires, our very dreams made a reality, and defend your horrible acts by hiding behind the name of an Archon!"

"You mean to besmirch my honor and my pride, Kaedehara Kazuha?"

"Kujou Sara, the truth is that your wretched 'honor' is nothing more than blind allegiance to a tyrant."

"You," her glare grew harsher as her grip on her sword tightened, "how dare you!"

Her wings now unveiled, Sara unleashed the full force of her tengu powers and launched herself towards him with explosive might. While he had no trouble blocking her blow, the sheer impact behind her velocity was enough to make him fall to his knees. Sara spared him no quarter, continuing her vengeful onslaught strike after strike, hoping to break both his sword and his spirit.

"I fight in honor of the Almighty Shogun, and I act in accordance to her will," she said with conviction. "Everything I do represents my loyalty to the deity that embodies my dreams and ambition!"

"In doing so, you turn your eyes away from the mistakes being made by the Shogun's deeds," he refuted. "Corruption breeds among the ranks of the Tenryou and Kanjou Commission soldiers, and citizens are taken advantage of by the greed of the Inazuma court officials. Is that the path towards eternity that you believe Inazuma should take?!"

"Wh-What?"

Faltering for just that moment, she ceased her assault. Kazuha seized his opportunity and swung his katana to strike. The tip of his blade grazed her cheek, leaving behind a tiny cut, yet a cut nonetheless. A small droplet of blood trickled out from the injury. She stood there, stunned.

Kazuha cautiously observed her, then noticed how her eyes trembled with uncertainty. "So you weren't aware of it. Do you understand? If you were truly loyal, then you would have seen it for yourself. If you were truly loyal, then you would rectify the mistakes made by the one you serve. If you were truly loyal, then you—"

"Silence!" Sara shouted, her voice booming with the rumbling thunder in the distance. "I'll hear nothing of loyalty and honor from a coward such as you!"

This time, Kazuha was the one left speechless by her words. "I," he kept his katana held up, but his grip slightly loosened, "what?"

Sara pointed at him in an accusatory manner. "When your friend lost our duel, you stole his empty Vision and fled to the Watatsumi rebels. Though you could have stayed in their ranks and rallied against the Shogun's forces, you decided to travel back to Ritou in search of a way to escape the nation entirely. You, Kaedehara Kazuha, have done nothing but run away!"

"You expect me to stand against the Raiden Shogun alone?" he scoffed.

"Of course not! I expected that no one can nor ever will. Yet your friend did. Unlike you, he stood his ground, defended his life, and raised his blade against me so that he may safeguard his dreams and ambitions. Unlike you, he endeavored to change his fate, and bravely faced the reality ahead of him."

Kazuha's gaze shifted away, falling upon his friend's faded Vision. "That's… that's not…"

He lowered his sword, unable to shake the doubt and shame overtaking him from within. Sara could easily seize victory at this point, but she too did not move, still held captive by his own accusations towards her.

Is her loyalty as misguided as he claims it is?

Is he truly abandoning what his friend stood for?

Before either one of them came to a conclusion, an alarming sensation crawled down the back of their necks. Kazuha, whose perception is sharpened enough to read the conditions of the nature around him, and Sara, whose attunement to the Electro affinity granted her an unnatural sense for electricity, both stared up to the sky.

They knew that in mere moments, lightning would strike them directly.

Without hesitation, Sara reached out to grab Kazuha's. She pulled him close, shielding him from whatever stray bolt may strike.

It was only when she had him firmly clutched in her arms that she questioned what she was doing. He was a criminal, one whom Sara had been hunting for months on end. He had resisted the Tenryou Commission soldiers, battling all those who stood in his path. He fought alongside the Watatsumi rebels, aligning himself with those who openly opposed the Shogun's ideals. And if that were not enough to justify her in subduing him now, he had just slandered her honor a few minutes prior.

What in the world would compel her to prioritize his life over her own?

Kazuha looked up at her, his eyes widened in shock. "Why?" he whispered, "Why are you protecting me?"

Sara could not bear to stare back at him. "I don't know," she muttered in response.

They locked their gazes to the sky, bracing themselves for what may come next.

"Ggh! Seriously," Beidou groaned, "lightning is gonna hit and the two of you are gonna stand in place cuddling?!"

Beidou stepped in front of them, claymore raised to the sky akin to a lightning rod, ready to intercept the storm itself. Sara and Kazuha both were taken aback, astounded at how quickly she managed to rush from the helm over to where they were. Before they processed it, however, the bolt fell from on high, tearing through the clouds around it.

The two Inazuman warriors watched in awe as they witnessed Liyue's "Uncrowned Lord of the Ocean" perform a feat that no mere mortal could ever hope to achieve.

Right as the lightning struck her claymore, Beidou swung it, deflecting the bolt altogether. Its destructive energy dispersed into the air around her, leaving behind nothing but pitiful sparks. When everything seemed safe, she then turned to Sara and pointed her claymore up to the soldier.

"Hey, Tenryou lady? Look," she nudged her head to the dark clouds swirling above, "we're pretty much at the edge of that Storm Barrier. Soon you'll be stuck here with us as we pass through, and once we exit out the other side, we'll throw you overboard. By then, you won't be able to get back to Inazuma on your own. Get what I'm saying?"

"Tch," Sara clicked her tongue as she saw how far the ship had already sailed, "I've run out of time."

"That's right! And you know what? I don't give a damn if you list my crew as criminals in Inazuma. The Tianquan will recognize a sunk cost when she sees it. Which means," she put on a smug, conceited smile, "I'm not gonna hold back if you decide to apprehend my new friend over there."

Kazuha, despite being held firmly in Sara's arms, released his sword and dropped it to the ground. "You've lost, Kujou Sara," he said in a calm voice. "If you leave us now, then you can return to Inazuma safely."

"Quiet!" She tightened her grip on his waist. "I will not return to Her Excellency in shame!"

Then and there, Kazuha noticed her trembling hands. He looked up to see her shuddering eyes. "Do you fear that she may discard you for your failure?"

Sara could not respond to that.

Kazuha placed his hand over hers, clasping it as gently as he could. "You are the Raiden Shogun's most trusted general, are you not? You are a venerated warrior, leader of the Tenryou Commission's forces. If there is anyone meant to stand at her side, it is you."

"I…" Her expression shifted. No longer did her face reflect the fervent determination she displayed during their duel. Her brow furrowed as she struggled to find the right words. Kazuha kept her hand held in his.

She had failed. There was nothing she could do.

When thunder echoed once more in the near distance, she released him from her grasp. Kazuha took a few steps back, leaving her to act as she saw fit. Sara raised her head and stared at him, taking one final look at the criminal she failed to subdue.

Without another word, she summoned her black feather fan and lifted it above her. Winds gather and swirl beneath her feet, generating a current where she stood. The tengu warrior took flight, her wings carried her far away from the Alcor and far away from the Storm Barrier. When she was far out of sight, Kazuha collapsed, exhausted from the encounter. Beidou hoisted him back up to his feet, slinging his arm around her back as she dragged him to the helm. In time, the two would sail beyond the Storm Barrier, successfully fleeing the nation.

Sara contemplated everything Kazuha had said to her as she flew back to Inazuma City. Her loyalty, her pride, her honor; was it all misplaced? She couldn't possibly accept such a thing, not when she owed her very life to the Raiden Shogun.

She glanced at the katana strapped to her hip and drew it out of its sheath. The light of the sun glistened off of the surface of the blade, reflecting her forlorn face at her. This was a sword she wielded for many years, one gifted to her by the head of the Kujou family. It was a sword that shed blood at the behest of another's will, and as such represented the depths of her steadfast dedication. Yet…

"The truth is that your wretched 'honor' is nothing more than blind allegiance to a tyrant."

That day, Kujou Sara discarded her sword into the sea, along with all the animosity she harbored over Kaedehara Kazuha.


Today, Kujou Sara finds herself shyly observing Kaedehara Kazuha from behind a tree.

With the Irodori Festival concluded, tourists from outside the nation have begun departing from Ritou. The residents of the small city eagerly watch from the pier. They wave farewell, praying to the Shogun that their newly acquainted friends from across the sea are able to return home, free from harm. Though Ritou's streets are no longer as crowded as they recently were, there were still many people idling about, enjoying their stays and participating in what remains of the festival.

Most of the soldiers from the Tri-Commission have now left their posts. The only ones who remain are those from the Kanjou Commission, who prefer to gather at their base than loiter on the streets, and those from the Yashiro Commission at the request of Kamisato Ayato. Soldiers belonging to the Tenryou Commission have all returned to Inazuma City, save for one uncharacteristically hesitant general.

Sara peers towards the pier. Sitting down at the edge is Kazuha, his feet barely grazing against the water as he enjoys the passing breeze.

It's been around a year since the two of them parted ways. To say that time heals all wounds is one thing, but for the two of them, it did more than heal wounds. It forced them to see the countless scars etched into their very souls, the ones they didn't realize were there. Rather, the ones they didn't want to acknowledge were there.

Sara, especially, has reflected upon herself many times over, and she wants to tell him that she's changed. But, she can't.

"I can't bring myself to face him," she mutters. "I'm… too afraid to face him."

She glances at the sun, enamored by the colors painted across the endless canvas of the sky above. There isn't much time left before Kazuha has to embark, leaving Inazuma behind once again to wander across Teyvat. Nobody knows when he may return, not even him. Maybe, just maybe, he might choose to never return. This land and its history may be nothing more than a constant reminder of what was taken away from him, of how much he was made to suffer at the behest of another.

Who could blame him if he wished to abandon his ties with Inazuma? Certainly not Sara, who had been directly involved in the problems plaguing the nation during the past year. Certainly not Sara, who had slain his best friend without remorse.

Certainly not Sara, who so disdainfully humiliated his life in her rage.

She sighs as she takes a step back. The two of them had already briefly reunited with one another earlier when he requested to see the possessions confiscated from the Kaedehara family. She informed him that his criminal status had been revoked, so there is no reason for her to overstep her boundaries.

Yes, it would be best to keep everything to myself. That way, I won't burden him further.

"What was that about burdening someone, general Kujou Sara?"

Caught off guard by the voice responding to her thoughts, Sara freezes up. Did she accidentally say that aloud just now? And someone just overheard her?

"Pay me no mind," she replies, too embarrassed to face the person who spoke to her, "if you are a citizen, then please enjoy the rest of your evening. If you are one of the soldiers, then you may return to your post."

"Hmm. And if I am neither?"

"What? Excuse me," Sara turns to face the individual, "but I am not in the mood for—"

Raiden Ei crosses her arms. "Yes? Not in the mood for what?"

"Almighty Shogun?! I, er," she looks left and right, but sees no sight of the Traveler upon whom she wished to shift blame onto, "forgive me!"

The way her composure unravels so quickly in front of the deity she serves is amusing, so much so that Ei can't hold back from giggling. "Please, be at ease. I didn't mean to startle you like that, really. Yae invited me to see her publishing house's leftover books from the festival. She mentioned that you were still in the area and I decided to come to see you."

Sara might have felt her heart flutter at Ei's kind gesture if she wasn't already consumed by shame from how rudely she addressed the Almighty Shogun. "I-If I may ask, how much did you see?"

Ei tilts her head to the side akin to the way a lost puppy might. "How much of what did I see?"

"Ah, never mind! It is nothing."

In truth, Ei had witnessed everything, from seeing Sara pacing back and forth like a worrisome child as she mentally wrestled with approaching Kazuha, to seeing Sara staring at him with her hands clutching her chest like a pure maiden. Ei's answer was ambiguous because she saw a lot and didn't know what Sara was specifically referring to.

The intrigued Archon takes another look at Sara's flushed cheeks before glancing at the man whom Sara had been observing. Ei contemplates the situation for only a moment before asking, "Have I stumbled upon a confession in the making here?"

"Wh-What?!"

"Am I mistaken?" Ei innocently smiles. "This looks similar to a scene I've read from one of the light novels Yae gifted me. I can quote the passage for you if you'd like."

"No no no, that isn't the case at all!"

"Then what business do you have with that man?" Ei asks. "Before I approached you, you seemed to be staring at him for quite a while."

Again, Sara hesitates. Should she be troubling the Shogun with something so insignificant? Surely there are more important issues for her to deal with as opposed to the minor anxieties unbefitting of a general?

When she sees Ei's earnest interest glimmering behind her eyes, Sara reconsiders. She never knew that the Shogun could make this kind of expression. In fact, Sara never imagined that this was a conversation that could take place between the two of them. So, just this once, she relaxes and voices out her feelings.

"I owe many things to that man there, to Kaedehara Kazuha. He was the one who first opened my eyes to the corruption choking the livelihood of Inazuma's people. He was the one who first made me question what it meant to be loyal to you, Almighty Shogun. He," Sara didn't even realize that her gaze fell upon him as she talked, "he's the reason I still stand here today."

"I see," Ei nods with understanding, then gleefully adds, "I'd like to extend my thanks to him in some manner."

"If so, then today may be the only opportunity you'll have," Sara says, dejection intoned clearly through her voice. "I have reason to believe that after he departs today, he'll never set foot in Inazuma again."

"Is that so? How unfortunate." Ei frowns ever so slightly as she realizes that he, too, may have been a victim of the mistakes she's made.

"Yes… unfortunate…"

Sara doesn't say anything beyond that. She keeps her gaze affixed to Kazuha, overtaken once again by the sullen thoughts that shrouded her mind earlier. Ei sees this and her eyes widen.

She places her hands over Sara's shoulders, gripping them tightly. "Go," she urges, "talk to him."

Ei, who had been driven to a point of hopeless despair after failing to protect the people she loved, knows exactly what it feels like to regret the past. She's felt the pain that can haunt someone throughout the rest of their life so long as they continue agonizing over the smallest thing. As one whose own laments resulted in burdening the entire nation her sister had left in her care, Ei didn't want to see Sara suffer the same heart-wrenching loneliness that she was forced to endure.

Their circumstances drastically differ, yes, but the result is always going to be the same: a painful existence entertaining what could have been instead of facing what had already happened. A life where you always carry the weight of your regrets atop your back, allowing it to wear away at your heart while you suffer in silence. Not long ago, Ei had misinterpreted this pain as the punishment she deserved. She believed that the pain was the Eternity she must embody in order to reject the false joys of Transience, but when she came to her senses, she realized that it amounted to nothing more than running away from herself.

That's what the Traveler taught her. That's what Yae taught her.

That's what Makoto taught her.

"Don't run away from yourself."

A bewildered Sara is then dragged by the hand over to the pier. Ei beams with pride as she guides her most valued warrior onward, preparing her for battle. She refuses to let go of Sara's hand despite Sara's very vocal complaints. The citizens watch in awe as the two come closer and closer to the lone ronin, each one confounded by the scene unfolding before their eyes.

"Wait, wait," Sara struggles as respectfully as she possibly can against Ei, "I'm not sure if I should—"

"The passage of time is a cruel thing," Ei whispers as she pushes Sara, "it disregards our wishes and our desires if we lack the conviction to chase them. It is why we must choose to move forward alongside it if we don't wish to be left behind. Isn't that part of why you stood against the Shogun—against me—in the first place?"

Her words stir Sara's resolve, if only just a bit. And that is enough to make the hesitant woman take the first step.

Ei finally releases her and watches contentedly as Sara picks up the pace.


"Although I'm not surprised Beidou is late, I'm a bit saddened nonetheless."

Kazuha drops a pebble into the sea, watching as it sinks into the dark depths below. This is how he's been entertaining himself for the past few hours while he waited for the Alcor's arrival. He originally wanted to board one of the other ships back to Liyue, but Beidou insisted that he wait for her at Inazuma. She claimed that they had a shipment to take to Inazuma and that it'd be a waste if he left early to join them only to return to Inazuma again.

"Not that I'm in a hurry of course."

He reaches for another pebble. When he fails to locate any, a finger taps against his shoulder to grab his attention, and he turns to see a hand supplying him with one. Kazuha looks up and is stunned by the person looming over him.

"I can't believe you waste your time playing with pebbles like a child, Kaedehara Kazuha."

Though slightly embarrassed, he chuckles and takes it from her. "Would you like to join me, Kujou Sara?"

"I don't think so."

She sits beside him anyway while he drops the pebble.

The scintillating sun awashes the ocean in fiery hues of red as it sets over the horizon. Its gentle rays make the water's surface gleam with thousands of sparkling lights, each one flashing at the peak of a wave's ascension. Both Sara and Kazuha stare out at the never-ending ocean, basking in the tranquility of this silent moment between them. Kazuha peeks ever so slightly at Sara, only to quickly avert his gaze when their eyes meet. He's fortunate that his long hair can conceal the soft blush forming on his cheeks.

Truth be told, Sara has been on Kazuha's mind for a very long time.

Like Sara, he spent a lot of time ruminating over all the words they exchanged that day. He didn't worry that the things he said might have been unjustly exaggerated or that they were unnecessarily rude, no, that wasn't a concern at all. After observing her actions during the Shogun's unjust reign and spending a significant part of his life evading Sara's pursuit, he knew full well that she needed to hear what he had to say. In fact, if he were given the opportunity to repeat that fateful encounter, he wouldn't have done anything differently.

He understands that she probably shares the same sentiment, and that alone on its own merit lays any past grievances to rest. Still, when the two of them are finally alone together, he isn't sure what to say.

No, no that isn't right. He knows exactly what he wishes to say. He's practiced it in his mind over and over again, the few words he'd longed to tell her. It's not that he doesn't know what to say, it's that he's too afraid to say it.

Just like her, he's held back by his fear. Just like her, he fears that he might burden her further should he speak his peace.

After all, he was the one callous enough to besmirch everything she stood for in the past. What right did he have to—

"I didn't expect to see you again at Watatsumi," she says under a hushed whisper. "To think you would return to Inazuma at all, much less with the Crux Fleet at your side."

Kazuha silently blinks, seemingly shocked that she initiated a conversation over something like that. After recollecting his thoughts, he says, "I'd always planned on making a return. It just took longer than expected."

"Really?"

He smiles as he reminisces on Sara's words from back then.

"I didn't want to run away any longer."

"... I see."

"Speaking of our reunion at Watatsumi," Kazuha glances at her, "I noticed that you no longer wield a blade. Not that your skills in archery are insufficient, mind you, I just found it odd that someone with your proficiency decided to switch to something different."

This time, Sara is the one to reminisce on the past. Smiling fondly, she tells him, "I've discarded my swordsmanship."

"Really?" It is a minor shock to him, yet a shock nonetheless. "May I ask why?"

She turns to him. Somehow, the fear from mere moments ago feels so distant when she looks into his eyes.

"I wanted to abandon the pride that blinded me."

"... Is that so?"

Something clicks. Their hearts beat one and the same.

Sometimes, a person's endeavor to confront their past can result in worsening the guilt of their sins. They fall deeper into remorse, unable to free themselves as they continue wallowing in sorrow. Yet, no matter how far down they've plummeted, no matter how long they've sat at the bottom of that unforgiving void, there's a road back up waiting for them. All it takes is the desire to ascend back up.

These two, however, sat in their own abyss as they pretended to walk that road. They might have moved forward to the future, but their hearts were always trapped in the past.

Now, in this fleeting moment, they both find the other's heart in that shared abyss. Finally, the words they've longed to tell each other can be said.

"Thank you," they say in unison.

Their gratitude is shared between them and them alone.

Far off into the distance, a small blip appears on the horizon. In time, it comes closer and closer, coming in close enough for Kazuha to recognize it as the Alcor. He stands from his spot at the pier, stretching his arms and back, and turns to Sara. "Beidou is arriving. I appreciate you keeping me company, Kujou Sara. I'm sure you should be getting back to work soon. Allow me to take my leave—"

Sara grasps his hand before he steps away. She stands up, her fingers still wrapped around his wrist, and faces him. There's just one more thing she wishes to ask of him

She takes a deep breath.

"Have you considered staying in Inazuma?"

He blinks, unsure of what he heard. "Excuse me?"

"I know that you've asked me to donate your family's belongings, but there's time for you to reclaim them," she explains. "You could find yourself a new home here with what remains. You can see for yourself how our nation moves onward."

Convinced that she's only asking out of obligation, Kazuha brushes her offer aside, shaking his head. "I must decline. My heart belongs to the wind, and so I wish to continue wandering the world. Besides," he chuckles, "no one will miss me."

"I will."

The ocean breeze picks up as maple leaves flutter by. Kazuha pauses, eyes widened by shock, simply standing there and wondering if what she uttered was nothing more than a trick of the mind. Except, they weren't.

"Stay here with me, Kazuha."

This is neither the order of a battle-hardened warrior nor the selfish cry of a desperate fool. It is simply an earnest wish born from her desires.

Sara's eyes did not waver. They hold a firm gaze, clear of all hesitation. She ponders, just how long has she felt this way about him? It wasn't during the festival when apprehension controlled her every word, or when they crossed one another at Watatsumi. Was it during the period after that day on the Alcor, after their blades crossed and they left one another uncertain of themselves? Or was it on that day itself? No, it was further back, all the way back to the starting point when their lives became entangled together.

Back to when he first became a blight on her honor.

That was the day her obsession began. An obsession that slowly evolved into something unlike anything she'd ever felt before.

"You may not believe me, but were it not for you, I wouldn't be who I am today," she professes. "I changed my methods after realizing how much my misguided loyalty controlled me. Criminals under the Vision Hunt Decree were no longer treated with unjust contempt. I used every ounce of my influence to eliminate as much of the corruption from the Tenryou Commission as I could."

Sara pulls him close to her, ensuring that he hears everything she says. "All of that began with you. I need you by my side so that I will never be led astray again."

"Wait," the blush from earlier returns in an even madder shade of pink and he stammers, "i-it is an exaggeration for you to claim that you need me by your side—"

"Fine, then I shall clarify," she interjects as she pulls him in even closer, "I want you by my side!"

With her face only inches away from his, Kazuha becomes flustered. "Th-That is beside the point," he insists, "you already know that I have no home to return to here."

"That isn't an issue. If I must, I'll even adopt you into the Kujou Clan!"

Such an adamant proposition is enough to set Kazuha's cheeks ablaze, and he tries to hide it behind his free hand. "I come from a disgraced clan," he reminds her, "surely the high officials, the branch family members, even the acting clan head of the Kujous will object to that!"

"Kamaji is practically my little brother, he'll obey any request I make! I," unable to adhere to her better judgment amid this intense plea, Sara declares, "I'll even make you my betrothed if it comes to that!"

It takes Sara a moment for her to realize what she had just proclaimed while overtaken by her passion, and when she does, her fierce gaze finally softens. Still, she does not release him from her grasp.

One final push, she thinks to herself.

"Stay by my side, Kazuha."

The gentle ocean waves calmly ripple against the shore, their soothing sounds enveloping the couple. By this point, the sun had fully set, and the Alcor was much closer to the pier, meaning their time together is coming to an end. Despite this, Sara chooses not to push her feelings any further, fully aware that she should not make herself seem any more desperate than she already is. In the end, it is Kazuha's decision.

She can be proud of herself. Just like the Shogun commanded, she didn't run away.

And yet…

"I'm sorry," he whispers, "I can't stay."

It hurts nonetheless.

"I see," is all she can muster to whimper. Her chest grows heavy as a crushing sensation constricts her. Sara can do nothing but silently nod, and she eases her grip on him. Of course he wouldn't stay. Not because of me.

Perhaps this is for the best. At the very least, she made use of this final opportunity to air out all of her feelings. More importantly, she managed to thank him after this long, agonizing year.

Then, right before her fingers slip from his hand, Kazuha clasps them in his own, refusing to let her go.

Sara's yearning is not one-sided. He, too, wished to stay by her side. However, if he did, he would be betraying his greater desire to wander Teyvat and experience everything the land had to offer him. Thankfully, there's one thing he can do for her. It might be selfish, maybe even mean, and all he can hope is that she can come to terms with what he wants.

Kujou Sara's heart pounds rapidly as Kaedehara Kazuha lifts his head and leans towards her lips. With the breeze of the Anemo Archon carrying his words off into the glimmering night sky, he pledges an oath to her then and there:

"Wait for me, Sara. One day, I will return, and it will be to you."


Thank you for reading! At first, I didn't really think I would follow through with this fic idea, but then I dabbled with a potential encounter between the two of them before Kazuha successfully fled from Inazuma, and everything kept pushing me onward from there. I hope I managed to make a relationship between these two seem at least somewhat feasible.

Directing my heartfelt appreciation to the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord Server as always for all of their encouragement 3. Consider joining us at /9XG3U7a